Saturday Friends is a socialization and supported play program designed to offer fun, safe and appropriate activities for children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, friendship and understanding for siblings and respite, support and education for parents.  Siblings and peer children also participate.  This program is offered on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m.

Arc recreation staff and volunteers from local high schools and colleges are there to play with and support the children. Staff focuses on creating an atmosphere that encourages interaction and involvement. Activities and materials are planned around children's strengths and needs. Support and training is provided to staff on a routine basis, from Special Education Teachers, Occupational, Speech and Physical Therapists.

Siblings have the opportunity to meet and form friendships with other children that have a brother or sister with a disability. The children will gain a better understanding of the abilities of people with disabilities while they provide positive role models for play and communication.

Parents are welcome to stay and observe, participate in activities, get together with other parents to share experiences and ideas or use the time as respite from the on-going care of their children.

A typical schedule of activities would include choose and do activities, small group fun, creative movement, snack and a project of the day.

Saturday Friends is held:

On the Second and Fourth Saturday most months

from 9am to 12pm

At the
North Utica Community Center
95 Riverside Drive
Utica, NY 13501

For more information, please contact us

Or

For a Printable Application Click Here

Saturday Friends in Rome, NY
Click Here for more details.